Background

Externalising problems are among the most common symptoms of mental health problems in preschool children.

Aims

To investigate the development of externalising problems in preschool children over time, and the way in which conduct problems are linked to hyperactivity problems.

Method

In this longitudinal study, 195 preschool children were included. Latent growth modelling of conduct problems was carried out, with gender and hyperactivity at year 1 as time-invariant predictors.

Results

Hyperactivity was a significant predictor for the intercept and slope of conduct problems. Children with more hyperactivity at year 1 had more conduct problems and a slower reduction in conduct problems. Gender was a significant predictor for the slope of conduct problems.

Conclusions

Children with more initial hyperactivity have less of a reduction in conduct problems over time. It is important to consider the role of hyperactivity in studies of the development of conduct problems.